About
Lithops lesliei, Leslie's living stone, is a perennial succulent forming a clump of paired, fleshy, pale-brown leaves mottled with deep olive-green at the ends, with yellow or white flowers in late summer and autumn. A beautiful and distinctive living stone for a sunny greenhouse bench or windowsill.
About the genus
Lithops, the living stones, are nearly stemless, succulent perennials forming bodies composed of a pair of very fleshy leaves, the flattish tips bearing translucent dots or patches. Daisy-like flowers emerge from the fissure between the leaves in late summer and autumn. Popular and fascinating succulents for a sunny greenhouse bench or windowsill.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Houseplants
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toS Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added extra grit. Water moderately when in growth; not at all when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times in the growing season
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free